South Texas cemetery first blocks, then allows burial of Hispanic man

By Greta Kaul, Staff Writer

Updated 8:15 pm, Friday, March 4, 2016

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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Dorothy Patton Barrera cries while explaining why she is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

Dorothy Patton Barrera cries while explaining why she is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. However, ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being able to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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Some gravestones in this old city that memorialize persons who made a civic or cultural impact are visited by more than loved ones and descendants. Through history, they belong to all of us.

Some gravestones in this old city that memorialize persons who made a civic or cultural impact are visited by more than loved ones and descendants. Through history, they belong to all of us.

Photo: Ernst Wilhelm Raba, File

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Fiercely devoted to Texas, José Antonio Navarro is considered the most significant Tejano statesman of his time. He was born in San Antonio de Bejar in 1795 and is buried in San Fernando Cemetery No. 1 on the city's West Side. Navarro served in the state legislature of Coahuila y Tejas, the Mexican Congress and the Texas Senate. He was one of only two native-born signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence and helped write its first constitution, which gave women the right to own land, Navarro descendant Rosemary Geyer said. less

Fiercely devoted to Texas, José Antonio Navarro is considered the most significant Tejano statesman of his time. He was born in San Antonio de Bejar in 1795 and is buried in San Fernando Cemetery No. 1 on the ... more

Jose Antonio Navarro's descendants leave Navarro's grave site on Nov. 1, 2013, at San Fernando Cemetery No. 1. Navarro was one of two native Texans who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Jose Antonio Navarro's descendants leave Navarro's grave site on Nov. 1, 2013, at San Fernando Cemetery No. 1. Navarro was one of two native Texans who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, San Antonio Express-News

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Jose Antonio Navarro's descendants, nephew Gilbert Patino, granddaughter Sandy Salinas and niece Rosemary Geyer, stand by Navarro's grave site on Nov. 1, 2013, at San Fernando Cemetery No. 1. Navarro was one of two native Texans who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. less

Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, seen here in 1966, is famous for a filibuster in the Texas Legislature against segregationist bills, his fiery leadership of congressional investigations — and the time he punched a guy in Earl Abel's restaurant for calling him a communist. less

Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, seen here in 1966, is famous for a filibuster in the Texas Legislature against segregationist bills, his fiery leadership of congressional investigations — and the time he ... more

Photo: Special To The San Antonio Express-News

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The late former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez's headstone in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Castroville Road on Oct. 30, 2013.

The late former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez's headstone in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Castroville Road on Oct. 30, 2013.

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, San Antonio Express-News

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The late former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez's headstone in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Castroville Road on Oct. 30, 2013.

The late former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez's headstone in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Castroville Road on Oct. 30, 2013.

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, San Antonio Express-News

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Former Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (left) and his sister, Genevieve Barto, visit the grave of their father, former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Oct. 30, 2013.

Former Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (left) and his sister, Genevieve Barto, visit the grave of their father, former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Oct. 30, 2013.

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, San Antonio Express-News

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Former Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (right) and his sister, Genevieve Barto, visit the grave of their father, former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Oct. 30, 2013.

Former Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (right) and his sister, Genevieve Barto, visit the grave of their father, former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 on Oct. 30, 2013.

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, San Antonio Express-News

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Samuel Augustus Maverick was a 19th century San Antonio mayor, signer of the 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence and a land baron. He chose not to brand his cattle, which is where the term "maverick" has its origins. less

Samuel Augustus Maverick was a 19th century San Antonio mayor, signer of the 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence and a land baron. He chose not to brand his cattle, which is where the term "maverick" has its ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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The Maverick family poses at the family grave site of Samuel A. Maverick and his wife, Mary Ann, at City Cemetery No. 1 on Oct. 29, 2013. From left are, Frank Dickson, Jamie Bloodsworth, Merritt Clements and Agatha Wade. Bloodsworth is cousin to siblings, Dickson, Clements and Wade. They are great-great grandchildren of Maverick. less

The Maverick family poses at the family grave site of Samuel A. Maverick and his wife, Mary Ann, at City Cemetery No. 1 on Oct. 29, 2013. From left are, Frank Dickson, Jamie Bloodsworth, Merritt Clements and ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, Special To The San Antonio Express-News

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The Maverick family checks out the family grave site of Samuel A. Maverick and his wife, Mary Ann, at City Cemetery No. 1 on Oct. 29, 2013. From left are, Merritt Clements, Frank Dickson, Jamie Bloodsworth, and Agatha Wade. Bloodsworth is cousin to siblings, Dickson, Clements and Wade. They are great-great grandchildren of Maverick. less

The Maverick family checks out the family grave site of Samuel A. Maverick and his wife, Mary Ann, at City Cemetery No. 1 on Oct. 29, 2013. From left are, Merritt Clements, Frank Dickson, Jamie Bloodsworth, and ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, Special To The San Antonio Express-News

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Emma Tenayuca is seen on the steps of City Hall in San Antonio in 1938 during the pecan shellers strike.
The three-month action, involving 12,000 workers, many of them Hispanic, was considered the first Mexican-American labor victory in U.S. history. less

Emma Tenayuca is seen on the steps of City Hall in San Antonio in 1938 during the pecan shellers strike.
The three-month action, involving 12,000 workers, many of them Hispanic, was considered the first ... more

Photo: UTSA Special Collections / Institute Of Texan Cultures

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Fiery labor leader Emma Tenayuca's grave site rests at Mission Park Cemetery on the city's South Side. The simple headstone states "Thy will be done." This week, three nieces and her sister-in-law visited her grave site and brought her flowers. less

Fiery labor leader Emma Tenayuca's grave site rests at Mission Park Cemetery on the city's South Side. The simple headstone states "Thy will be done." This week, three nieces and her sister-in-law visited her ... more

Photo: Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News

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Fiery labor leader Emma Tenayuca's grave site rests at Mission Park Cemetery on the city's South Side. The simple headstone states "Thy will be done." This week, three nieces and her sister-in-law — Sharyll S. Teneyuca, Cecilia Guzman, Heidi Teneyuca and Elaine Cruz Teneyuca Stevens — visited her grave site and brought her flowers. less

Fiery labor leader Emma Tenayuca's grave site rests at Mission Park Cemetery on the city's South Side. The simple headstone states "Thy will be done." This week, three nieces and her sister-in-law — Sharyll ... more

Photo: Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News

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Gregorio Esparza, a cannoneer at the Alamo, was the only defender to get a Christian burial because his brother Francisco Esparza, in the Mexican Army, was allowed to retrieve his body.

Gregorio Esparza, a cannoneer at the Alamo, was the only defender to get a Christian burial because his brother Francisco Esparza, in the Mexican Army, was allowed to retrieve his body.

Photo: Courtesy Of TexasTejano.com

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Brother Joe Esparza, a brother in the Society of Mary and a descendant of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparza, visits the monument dedicated to those who were originally buried in the city's old Campo Santo, or cemetery, in the Milam Park area. Today, a momument honors those early San Antonio residents buried there. He sits near a mark to Gregorio Esparza. less

Brother Joe Esparza, a brother in the Society of Mary and a descendant of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparza, visits the monument dedicated to those who were originally buried in the city's old Campo Santo, or ... more

Photo: Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News

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Born and raised in San Antonio, Juan Seguin was a Texian officer and courier during the Alamo siege and fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. He served as a senator and mayor, a role that put him in the middle of violent hostility between Mexican Texans losing their land and Anglo immigrants who gained it. less

Born and raised in San Antonio, Juan Seguin was a Texian officer and courier during the Alamo siege and fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. He served as a senator and mayor, a role that put him in the middle ... more

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Albert Seguin Gonzales, of Texas City, touches the monument at the burial site of his fourth great grandfather Alamo defender Juan Seguin in Seguin on Oct. 3, 2013.

Albert Seguin Gonzales, of Texas City, touches the monument at the burial site of his fourth great grandfather Alamo defender Juan Seguin in Seguin on Oct. 3, 2013.

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

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Albert Seguin Gonzales, of Texas City, stands at the burial site of his fourth great grandfather Alamo defender Juan Seguin in Seguin on Oct. 3, 2013.

Albert Seguin Gonzales, of Texas City, stands at the burial site of his fourth great grandfather Alamo defender Juan Seguin in Seguin on Oct. 3, 2013.

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A collage of images of recently deceased Pedro Barrera from his wife Dorothy Patton Barrera in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. The widow Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband to be buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A collage of images of recently deceased Pedro Barrera from his wife Dorothy Patton Barrera in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. The widow Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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An old headstone with the Hispanic surname of "Ramirez" sits outside a fence line of San Domingo Cemetery, Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

An old headstone with the Hispanic surname of "Ramirez" sits outside a fence line of San Domingo Cemetery, Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A vehicle rolls past San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A vehicle rolls past San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, buried at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. However, Barrera wishes were refused by ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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An old headstone with the Hispanic surname of "Ramirez" sits outside a fence line of San Domingo Cemetery, Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

An old headstone with the Hispanic surname of "Ramirez" sits outside a fence line of San Domingo Cemetery, Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera wishes were refused by Jimmy Bradford who is the apparent caretaker for the cemetery. Barrera was initially told that Hispanics nor black persons were not allowed to be buried there. Barrera railed against the idea of not being allowed to do so and has hired attorney Sid Arizmendez of Beeville to help rectify the situation. Late Friday, Barrera was informed that Bradford reconsidered his position and has allowed her to bury her husband at the cemetery. Barrera, however, is still considering or legal action so that future issues regarding race will not take place at the cemetery. less

A view of San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas on Friday, Mar. 4, 2016. Dorothy Patton Barrera is fighting to have the cremated remains of her husband, Pedro, to be buried at the cemetery. However, Barrera ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, (Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News)

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South Texas cemetery first blocks, then allows burial of Hispanic man

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A South Texas woman who was told she couldn’t bury her husband’s ashes in their South Texas hometown because he was Hispanic will be allowed to bury him there after all, but now she’s not sure she wants to.

Donna Barrera, who was married to Pedro Barrera for more than 40 years, said she has hired an attorney and will fight to make sure people of all races and ethnicities are allowed a final resting place at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, just north of Beeville on Texas 181.

Normanna has a population of 65, according to the U.S. Census. Of those 65, 11 are Hispanic or Latino and two are black.

The trouble started when Mrs. Barrera ran into Jimmy Bradford, the owner of the San Domingo Cemetery Association, at the post office. She said she asked him how she could get a plot for her husband’s ashes at San Domingo. Bradford told her the board would not allow it, she said.

While Bradford was not available Friday, he told KIII-TV that cemetery policy was whites only.

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“He wasn't supposed to be buried there, because he's a Mexican, or of Spanish descent, or whatever you want to say. That's what I told her and that's what we've been doing,” Bradford told KIII-TV.

For her part, Mrs. Barrera said she was stunned.

“It hurt me very bad. I’m in mourning as it is, so that’s put more mourning on me,” she said Friday.

Bee County Constable Cliff Bagwell said Friday that Bradford would now allow Pedro Barrera’s ashes to be buried in the cemetery.

Bagwell said Bradford had checked the cemetery’s policy and said it did not specify that people of Hispanic descent could not be buried at San Domingo, where many of the headstones are more than 100 years old.

“It just says ‘citizens’,” may be buried there, Bagwell said. He doesn’t believe there are any people of Hispanic descent buried at the cemetery.

“Back then, it’s the way it was. Whether it’s good or bad, that’s the way it was,” the constable said.

Al Kauffman, a professor of law at St. Mary’s University, said prohibiting a person’s burial based on his or her race is illegal based on 1948’s Shelley v. Kraemer, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that courts could not enforce racial covenants on real estate.

“(The court) said that even when people want to limit the buyers on their property, that that violates the Constitution because, in fact, the state is indirectly involved in the system of property,” Kauffman said.